Hello June & Welcome to Winter!!

Well Winter is finally here in Melbourne!! The days are getting shorter and the nights colder which offers a great opportunity to cosy up on the couch and really plan your business' Social Media Strategy for the next month!!

The following list should outline most of the key dates for businesses to consider when planning their social media content and strategy. Some dates are specific to Australia whilst other dates are International dates that should be considered as they can offer a fun element to your pages. Remember you can leverage off what is current and trending through using the right hashtags but also make it relevant to your own business wherever possible.

1 - 30 June - Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
1 - 30 June - National Burns Awareness Month - Kidsafe Australia
1 June - First Day of WINTER
1 June - Doughnut Day
1 June - Fish & Chip Day (First Friday in June)
1 June - Leave the Office Earlier Day
3 June - Mabo Day
4 June - Western Australia Day
5 June - World Environment Day
6 June - Queensland Day
8 June - World Oceans Day
8 June - World Best Friends Day
9 June - World Gin Day
11 June - Queen's Birthday Holiday
11 June - Gold Telethon - Sydney Children's Hospital
11 - 17 June - International Men's Health Week
12 June - World Day Against Child Labour
12 June - Superman Day
14 June - International Bath Day
14 June - Healthy Tuckshop Day
14 June - World Blood Donor Day
15 June - Global Wind Day
15 June - National Buddy Day
17 - 23 June - Refugee Week
18 June - International Picnic Day
18 - 24 June - Thinking of You Week
20 June - Red Apple Day (Bowel Cancer Australia)
20 June - World Refugee Day
21 June - June Solstice
21 June - International Day of Yoga
21 June - MND Global Day 0 Motor Neurone Disease
21 June - World Selfie Day
21 June - World Music Day
22 June - Chocolate Eclair Day
24 June - Fairy Day
26 June - Beautician's Day
27 June  - Pineapple Day
30 June - Social Media Day
30 June - Red Nose Day

If I have missed any dates then please let me know and I will update the list ASAP. Until next time, happy planning!!

Amanda x

A twist on ANZAC Biscuits...

ANZAC SQUARES.......always a favourite in our house and I've made a double batch today 💙 There is no day more fitting than Anzac Day to share this so I hope this recipe becomes a favourite in your house too! #lestweforget #ANZACDay

Ingredients:

1 cup plain flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup desiccated coconut
100 g butter
1/4 cup golden syrup
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 tablespoon hot water

Preheat oven to moderate 180 degrees Celcius. Line a shallow 28 x 18cm pan with aluminium foil; brush with oil or melted butter.

Sift flour and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Add oats and coconut; make a well in the centre

Combine butter and golden syrup in a small pan. Stir over low heat until butter has melted and mixture is smooth; remove from heat. Dissolve bicarb soda in water; add immediately to butter mixture and stir until foamy. Add to dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

Spread mixture into prepared tin, pressing firmly with the back of a spoon to smooth the surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Coll in tin then using foil lift out and cut into squares.

Store in airtight container for up to 3 days 🙂

Enjoy 😍

Source: slice Recipes - Family Circle

Have an Egg-cellent April & a Happy Easter!

With Easter comes the school holidays in Victoria this year so egg-citing times in our house for the two weeks ahead. The Easter break is a great way to kick off the April and the school holidays so I hope each of you get some time to enjoy a little bit of down time and some time out from the daily hustle! If you work for yourself then I hope you can schedule in a break, at least over Easter, and recharge the batteries! Schedule posts where you can and plan your content ahead of time, as it will free you up to enjoy some down time.....it's been a busy start to the year!!

Following is the full list of significant dates for April. To cover a good range of topics, I have also attempted to include some International Dates that might align with businesses. Please use this list where you can to assist with SM content and utilise trending hashtags!


30 March - 2 April        Easter
31 March - 9 April        National Youth Week
1-10 April                    NSW Seniors Week
1-30 April                    Supermarket Free Month - SUPPORT LOCAL
1 April                         Daylight Savings Time ENDS - NSW, ACT, SA, VIC & Tasmania
1 April                         April Fools Day
1 April                         National Smile Day
2 April                         Easter Monday
2 April                         World Autism Awareness Day
2 April                         International Children’s Book Day
3 April                         Easter Tuesday (Tasmania)
4 - 15 April                  Commonwealth Games - Gold Coast, QLD
4 April                         World Stray Animals Day
7 April                         World Health Day
8 April                         Orthodox Easter
10 April                       World Homeopathy Day
10 April                       National Siblings Day
11 April                       World Parkinsons' Day
11 - 22 April                Nature Play Week
12 April                       International Day of Human Flight
14 April                       Garden Releaf Day
14 April                       Baisakhi-Sikh Festival
15 April                       MS Melbourne Cycle
15 April                       Youth Homelessness Matters Day
18 April                       World Heritage Day
22 April                       Earth Day
22 April - 28 April        World Allergy Week
23 April                       World Book Day
24 April - 30 April        World Immunisation Week
25 April                       ANZAC Day
25 April                       International Guide Dog Day
25 April                       World Penguin Day
28 April                       Pay It Forward Day
28 April                       World Day for Safety & Health at Work
29 April                       International Dance Day
30 April                       International Jazz Day

I hope everyone has an amazing month and that this list really encourages you to update your Social Media accounts daily or at the least every second day!  Regular posting is key to improving reach and growth, and don't forget that current and relevant posts are the perfect way to leverage and maximise hashtags and content.

If there are any dates that I have forgotten to include then please let me know in the comments below and I will update the list ASAP.

Don't forget to Be Social - Share, Support and Connect!!
Amanda x

HELLO AUTUMN

With the year now in full swing, March is often one of the busiest months for Community and Nationally Significant Events. To cover a good range of topics, I have also attempted to include some International Dates that might align with businesses. If there are any dates that I have missed that you would like to see added then please just let me know in the comments below and I will update the list.

1 - 31 March      National Epilepsy Awareness Month
1 - 31 March      The Water Challenge
1 - 31 March      Jump to Cure Diabetes
1 - 31 March      Bandaged Bear Appeal - The Royal Children's Hospital Westmead
1 - 31 March       March into Yellow - Endometriosis Awareness
1 March              World Book Day
2 March              Schools Clean Up Day - Clean Up Australia
3 March              World Wildlife Day
3 - 11 March      Parks Week
4 March             Clean Up Australia Day
5 March             Labour Day (WA)
5 - 11 March      Kidney Health Week
8 March             International Women's Day
10 March           World Kidney Day
11 - 18 March    Multiple Birth Awareness Week
12 March           Labour Day (Vic)
12 March           Eight Hours Day (TAS)
12 March           Canberra Day (ACT)
12 March           Adelaide Cup Day (SA)
12 March           Commonwealth Day
13 - 20 March    Coeliac Awareness Week
14 - 18 March   World's Greatest Shave
16 March           National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
16 March           Close the Gap Day (Oxfam)
16 March           World Sleep Day
17 March           St Patrick's Day
17 - 25 March    Cultural Diversity Week
18 March           Run for the Kids (Victoria)
19  -23 March   Walk For Water
19 - 29 March   A Taste of Harmony
20 March          International Day of Happiness
20 March          Iranian New Year
20 March          World Oral Health Day
21 March          World Down Syndrome Day
21 March          World Forestry Day
21 March          Harmony Day
21 March          World Poetry Day
21 March          International Day for the Elimination of Racial Descrimination
22 March          World Water Day
23 March          Ride 2 School Day
23 March          Royal Easter Show (NSW)
24 March          Earth Hour 8.30pm
25 March          Neighbour Day
26 March          Purple Day (Epilepsy Australia)
27 March          World Theatre Day
30 March          Good Friday Appeal (Victoria)
30 March          Good Friday
30 March - 7 April Passover

I hope everyone has an amazing month and that this list really encourages you to regularly update your Social Media accounts. Current and relevant posts are the perfect way to leverage and maximise hashtags and content.

Don't forget to Be Social!
Amanda x

VERO - TRUE SOCIAL

Want to know more about this very new Social Media App? The one that aims to be ad-free and algorithm-averse? The first million users on the platform will be able to use Vero for free, for life so if you'd like to know what all the fuss is about and get up to speed then the guys at lifehacker.com.au have done the research already and you can find their article HERE. Let us know your thoughts and if you chose to download!

Social Media Tips, Dates and Planning for December

I had every intention of adding the December list before December 1 - my apologies that I didn't quite get there! Obviously with Christmas ahead of us, December is a quieter month in terms of special events, National and International dates and events as well as awareness campaigns. Probably not a bad thing given how busy everyone is in the lead up to Christmas.

With only a handful of dates listed, some of which may not be relevant to you, your content may be more limited but with the holiday period ahead, I would suggest that you make a point of:
- including your holiday hours in upcoming posts
- advertise and highlight with a follow up reminder, any days which you are CLOSED
- providing advanced notice of any upcoming SALES
- setting up an auto reply on your email and Facebook Messenger in case you're planning a few days of time out.
- Planning a break (even a short one) over the Christmas/New Year period so that you can recharge ahead of fantastic 2018!
- Ensuring that your Social Media accounts are active (try to schedule posts where possible or outsource this work) and engaging and that interactions are being responded to where necessary. Social Media is even busier over the Christmas/New Year period when people are on holidays and have time on their hands to scroll, comment, like and interact so make sure you interact with them!

1 - 31 December - Dinesmart
1 - 31 December - Road Ribbon for Road Safety
1 - 31 December - Decembeard
1 - 31 December - No Gender December
1- 10 December - Say No to Violence
5 December - International Volunteer Day
6 December - St. Nicholas Day
10 December - Human Rights Day
10 - 23 December - Uniting Care Christmas Appeal
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day
28 December - The Falls Music and Arts Festival

I hope this above information and tips are helpful to your business in the coming weeks - please don;t hesitate to get in touch or leave a comment below if you do have any questions and I'll get back to you ASAP.

Happy December!
Amanda x

Things to do in Melbourne this Christmas

I feel very fortunate to work as a Social Media Manager as it means I receive lots of information, updates and event invitations hot off the press! I love knowing what's going on in Melbourne, particularly at Christmas time!

With two young children, our lead up to Christmas is an exciting one! Each year we look for different activities in and around Melbourne that celebrate the fun of Christmas! My research over the last couple of years has lead to an abundance of amazing activities for children and families and I thought I'd share this list with you. Some of the activities are FREE, others require a paid ticket, but all of them are fun! If you've discovered any other activities yourself then please let me know in the comments below and I will happily add them to the list

Christmas Activities & Festivities:
Christmas Festival - Overview of Christmas in the City of Melbourne
Santa's Post Box - 3 November - 15 December - City of Melbourne
Christmas at the Old Treasury Building -  13 November - 5 January
Light Up Christmas at Federation Square - 16 November - 5pm - 9pm
David Jones Christmas Concert - 18 November - Sat: 9.30am – 10.30am, 11.30am – 12.30pm 
A Big Christmas Day - 19 November - 11am - 9pm - a full day of Christmas activities
Christmas at Federation Square - 24 November - 25 December - Daily - 9am - late
Christmas Carnival - Myer Melbourne - Held at the Bourke Street Mall Store on Saturday 26 November from 10am-6pm, the store will be turned into a festive fun fair with live entertainment, workshops, giveaways and more. 
Rippon Lea Twilight Christmas Festival - held on the 1st December from 5pm-9pm this event includes Local choirs, an Artisan craft market, Christmas craft workshops, House tours in the mansion, Family games and activities, Food trucks, And of course, our favourite friend Santa will be popping by for a visit during the night!
Santa's Magical Kingdom - runs from 17 November - 23 December. We attended last year with our 2 children aged 5 and 3 at the time and they had an amazing time!! We met Mrs Claus, Santa Claus, enjoyed the interactive walk through show, rides, gingerbread cookie decorating as well as a Circus Spectacular Christmas Show. Well worth attending for a fun day out.
Crown Christmas Spectacular - 20 November - 1 January - Watch the Crown Towers Atrium come alive with our magnificent Christmas tree and a spectacular lighting and musical display.
Show Times: 
Daily - 10am until midnight 
Shows begin every 30 minutes
Plus, get a free photo with Santa from 12 - 6pm until 24 December.
Frankston Christmas Festival of Lights - 25 November - 5-10pm. A lovely Christmas celebration for the whole family, there is also Fireworks and  the Lighting of the Christmas tree at 9.45pm.
Crown Casino
Santa PAWtraits - 25 - 26 November - Visit Santa and have a photo with your beloved feathered, fluffy or furry friend and create a special moment this Christmas.
Myer Christmas Windows - 12 November - 24 December - 7.30am - 1am daily
Myer - Santaland - Bookings are NOW Open for the Bourke Street (Melbourne City Store)
Federation Square
David Jones - The Magic Cave - dates to be confirmed
Gingerbread Village by Epicure - 1 Decemebr - 24 December - held at the Melbourne Town Hall, entry to this display is free however donations to the Royal Children's Hospital are welcomed. This year Epicure will craft the F1 Grand Prix so a great Christmas activity for both little and big kids!
Skate with Santa - 2 December - 24 December - 1am - 3pm Saturday and Sunday only
The Wiggly Christmas Big Show - 2 December at Rod Laver Arena - 3 show times
Northside Christmas Picnic - 8 December - 5pm - 10pm
The Dock Community Christmas - 9 December - 5pm - 10pm
The Snowman - 9 December at the Melbourne Recital Centre
Santa's Photos at Collins Square - 14 December - 21 December
Lah-Lah's Stripey Christmas - 16 December at the Melbourne Recital Centre
Carol's By Candelight - Sidney Myer Music Bowl - 24 December
Santa Photos - Westfield Shopping Centre's (Westfield Southland is referred to in the link)
RSPCA Santa Paws Photos - for pet friendly Family photos with Santa

Christmas Lights:
Christmas Lights at Lighthouse Docklands - 24 November - 25 December
Christmas Festival Official Tree Lighting Ceremony - 24 November from 7pm - 9.15pm
Giant Christmas Bauble - Federation Square - 30 November - 25 December
Christmas Projections - 1 December - 25 December
Christmas Laneways - decorated for Christmas and full of good cheer a selection of laneways are a great place to stop for a meal or refreshing drink whilst enjoying the atmosphere
The Boulevard Christmas Light in East Ivanhoe - 16 - 24 December from 8.30pm - 11pm each night
Christmas Light Search Website - enter your postcode and search your local area for Christmas Light displays - EASY!

Christmas Giving:
This list is extensive so I have just included a few that are local and that we have supported over the last few years. I am happy to add to this list so please let me know if there are any other Charities or Appeals that you would like to see included.
Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal - 15 November - 24 December - there are a few different ways to get involved this year.
Share The Dignity - Its In the Bag - donations of handbags filled with everyday items + a few luxuries for women who have escaped domestic violence and are in need at Christmas time.
The Salvation Army - assist with their Christmas Appeal in various ways.
The Smith Family - Christmas Book and Toy Appeal
The Melbourne Period Project - supporting homeless people in Melbourne

Christmas Markets: 
Christmas at Queen Victoria Market - on various dates starting the 13th November, Christmas shopping is made easy with this great outdoor market and the Wednesday Night Market leading up to Christmas. Children can post a letter to Santa at the market and you can also have your Santa photos taken there as well.
Mornington Racecourse Twilight Christmas Market - 18 November from 3pm - 8pm
German Christkindlmarkt - 30 November
Collins Place Design Market - 15 December
Markit @ Federation Square - 17 December
City of Melbourne Market Guide - including direct links to market information

Christmas Shopping:
Allen's Lollysmith's Pop Up Store - 15 November (personalised lolly jars)
Myer Giftorium -  Open Now - (personalised Tim Tam Gift Boxes)
Kmart - Personalised Vegemite Jars - Order instore only
Kmart - Pesonalised Nutella Jars - Order instore only
Cotton On - Personalised Milo Tins - coming soon to stores
Cotton On - full range of personalised gifts
Harvey Norman - personalised Christmas Gift range

Christmas Apps:
Portable North Pole - the number one Santa App
Santa's Lil Helper - City of Melbourne Christmas App

Melbourne City Christmas Guide/Map:
Map & Guide

General Websites & Links:
Only Melbourne - The Festive Season - This is a great list that covers most of the local Christmas Festivals, Council run Christmas Carol events and other fun activities in and around the local Melbourne area.

All information and dates are current at the time of publishing. Please ensure you refer to the relevant links (all highlighted text is linked) for the current information and updates.

I hope you and your family enjoy the lead up to Christmas!!
Amanda xx